Busting Myths About Accountancy with Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK
April 15, 2025
Ever wondered if accountancy could be more than just numbers?
Join host Mark Fawcett as he sits down with Karl Edge, Chief People Officer at KPMG UK, to shatter myths about the accounting profession. Karl shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leadership, revealing how accountancy can be a gateway to diverse career opportunities worldwide. Whether you're a recent graduate considering your options or someone curious about professional services, discover why you don't need an accounting degree to succeed, how to leverage your authentic self in a corporate environment, and what leadership really looks like in modern accountancy.
Listen in for practical insights on building a fulfilling career in one of the world's leading professional services firms.
• Perfect for early career starters looking to understand the real world of accounting
• Valuable for those interested in leadership development and career progression
• Essential listening for anyone questioning whether they'd "fit in" to corporate culture
In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett interviews Karl Edge, Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK, who shares his 34-year journey from a working-class background to a leadership position at one of the world's leading professional services firms.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why accountancy is far from boring: how it provides a foundation for working globally across any sector
- How to succeed in professional services without an accounting degree or background
- The modern accountant's evolving role in the age of AI and technology
- Why authenticity matters: how to balance being yourself while adapting to corporate culture
- How to develop leadership skills through curiosity and stepping outside your comfort zone
- The power of mentorship and networking in building a successful career path
- Why continuous learning and broad experiences matter more than chasing specific roles
- How to transition from technical expertise to people leadership
- The importance of building trust and relationships with clients beyond their professional titles
- Why embracing discomfort and feedback leads to professional growth and development
Karl Edge is the Chief People Officer and Head of Regions at KPMG UK, bringing over three decades of experience in chartered accountancy and business leadership. With a distinguished career that began as a chartered accountant, Karl has evolved into a strategic people leader responsible for 18,000 employees across KPMG's UK operations. Known for his passion in neuroscience and personal development, he has been instrumental in developing leadership programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning at KPMG. In this episode, Karl shares valuable insights about the evolving nature of accountancy careers, challenging common misconceptions about the profession, and offering practical advice for young professionals entering the field. His journey from a working-class background to a senior leadership position, combined with his focus on mentoring and talent development, provides particularly relevant guidance for career starters looking to build successful careers in professional services.
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